How to Choose the Right Electric Shaver: What to Look For
Buying an electric shaver might seem simple, but to get the best results, there are several important features and factors to consider. Based on our extensive testing process, here’s what you should know before making your purchase.
How We Test Shavers – Why You Can Trust Our Advice
In a world full of “experts,” we stand by transparency. We buy every product we test — no brand pays to be included or influences our reviews. Every electric shaver is tested over six weeks by a diverse panel of real users with different hair types and shaving habits. This ensures a fair, real-world comparison — not just one person’s opinion.
Key Features to Consider When Buying an Electric Shaver
1. Shaving Performance
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Close Shave: Look for a model that can give a smooth finish on both short (1-day) and slightly longer (3-day) stubble. Top-rated shavers leave no patches or irritation behind.
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Maneuverability: A good shaver should work well around tricky areas like the chin, upper lip, and sideburns. Some models excel at this, while others struggle to deliver precision.
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Skin Irritation: Shavers vary in how gentle they are on the skin. Some can cause redness or ingrown hairs, especially with sensitive skin.
2. Noise Level
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Some models produce a quiet hum, while others are so loud they could wake the house. Consider how important low noise is for your morning routine.
3. Ease of Cleaning
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Most electric shavers are easy to clean with running water and a small brush. Expensive models may come with self-cleaning stations, but many users find these unnecessary and bulky.
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Tip: You can save money by choosing a model without a cleaning dock.
4. Durability
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Our durability tests include dropping the shaver from head height five times. Robust models withstand this without damage.
5. Ease of Use
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We test with a Cambridge Simulation Glove to evaluate how easy a shaver is to use for those with limited hand movement. Good models are comfortable and accessible even for people with arthritis or mobility issues.
Foil vs Rotary: Which Shaver Head Is Right for You?
Foil Shavers
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Feature straight heads with blades under a thin foil.
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Ideal for daily or every-other-day shaving.
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Offer a closer, faster shave on short hair and better precision around facial features.
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Preferred by most users in our tests (76%).
Rotary Shavers
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Use three circular rotating heads to lift and cut hair.
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Better for those who shave less frequently or have longer facial hair (22% of users).
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More effective for capturing longer hairs, but generally less precise.
Maintenance Tips
Cleaning
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Most shavers can be cleaned by rinsing the head and brushing the blades.
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Self-cleaning stations are convenient but often expensive and bulky.
Head Replacement
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Manufacturers usually recommend replacing shaving heads every 18 months.
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Important: Always check the cost of replacement parts before purchasing a shaver.
Money-Saving Tip: Sharpen Your Rotary Blades
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If you own a rotary shaver and a sharpening stone, you may be able to sharpen the blades yourself, extending the life of your device.
How to Get the Best Value
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Shop around: Top-rated shavers are often available at a discount somewhere. You could save over £100 by choosing the right retailer.
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Beware of extras: Travel pouches, wireless chargers, and self-cleaning docks often inflate prices without significantly improving performance.
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Our testers found many of these extras unnecessary and bulky, especially in smaller bathrooms.
Final Tips
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Think about your shaving habits: Do you shave daily or weekly?
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Consider your skin sensitivity and beard type.
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Check how easy the shaver is to clean and maintain.
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Don’t overpay for unnecessary features — focus on what actually improves your shave.
